Haven’t done a digital illustration for such a long time, but I absolutely had to get this one up, since it’s for our new t-shirt line, Wish Me Monsters. I wanted to start wearing it ASAP, so it’s up now in the store. You can buy prints with varying backgrounds, as well as tees, tanks, and all sorts of apparel. Life is Grape, isn’t it?!? See more at wishmemonsters.com

There was a time when I posted daily paintings and drawings right and left here on the blog like there was no tomorrow. Illustration projects and art openings abounded. My painting style rapidly evolved here over the years and the posts reflected my personal artistic journey. Then my artistic output gave way to my immense wanderlust. I started an online travel and culture magazine and I did something crazy—I quit my day job, donated most of my possessions and embarked on an around the world journey with my husband across 6 continents and over 50 countries. It was both one of the most challenging and most liberating experiences of my life—hands down one of the best things I’ve ever done.

Volcanic wanderings on Vulcano, in the Aeolian Islands in Sicily, Italy.

Mana island, Fiji.

Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Perito Moreno Glacier, Patagonia, Argentina.

Rome, Italy.

Istanbul, Turkey.

Berlin, Germany.

Stockholm, Sweden.

Santorini, Greece.

So how could I possibly follow that adventure up? Well, as you may have noticed over the last year, I haven’t been painting nearly as much as before, and the reason for the change in pace reflects my second big journey—the arrival of my son, Storm, who is now one year old.

I wanted to take a minute to share what a momentous and life changing experience becoming a mother has been for me. One year later, I’m still just as in love as I was the moment I laid eyes on my little son for the first time. I never would have guessed how strong this feeling would be…it’s truly a gift to feel your heart swell and overflow with so much love. If I were to try to describe what motherhood is like to my curious pre-baby self who was always a little uncertain about the whole thing, I would say it’s the chance to experience the greatest, most encompassing love you will probably ever know. It’s feeling connected to the core of the human experience that pulses throughout art, music, philosophy, literature, science, history and all the driving forces that make our world spin. It’s finding the love of your life, and falling in love over and over again. It’s growing as a person in leaps and bounds. It’s a beautiful mess, but gazing at your baby’s face will make you feel that you are looking upon an angel—a pure and innocent being who is the most beautiful creature you’ve ever seen in your life. When you look at your child you’ll often be overwhelmed with emotion and your heart will melt when they smile or laugh—you’ll never have seen anything as perfect. You’ll get an idea of what miracles are made of and you’ll constantly feel blessed. Everything is awesome and some days the world seems to be overlaid with diamond-encrusted rainbows. That’s a little slice of what it’s like, or at least that’s the best I can do to convey it in words.

Storm, 5 months old.

With this new chapter of my life has come a renewed outpouring of creativity and inspiration (the challenge is now all about finding the time to act upon all these great ideas!). I’ve got a new painting series in the making and some very ambitious illustration projects planned that I can’t wait to share with you.

So fellow art lovers, I hope your year is off to a fantastic start and will be filled with incredible journeys too. I want to thank you for all your kind words, encouragement, love, and stories you’ve shared with me here over the years.

As always I love to hear from you—feel free to get in touch anytime!
xoxo
-Gayle

I haven’t painted in forever, but during one inspired session I managed to pop out a few pieces in one sitting. This first one is my fave from the session, and is the start of my new “Dream About Me” Series.

About This Blog

Hello! I am a professional artist with a love of abstract painting. This blog was inspired by a lifelong goal of mine: to produce 100 paintings in one year. I hit #100 ten months later, and am still painting up a storm! If you are interested in purchasing artwork, please send me an email. Thanks for visiting!